Delaware's 7 Most Beautiful Beaches To Visit

Delaware may be a small state, but it’s packed with great beach towns along the Atlantic coast. Here’s a look at Delaware’s best and most beautiful beaches to visit with your family.

Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach is Delaware’s most popular beach town, and for good reason. It has a classic boardwalk with arcades, restaurants, and shops, plus wide sandy beaches perfect for families. It's lively in the summer but still clean and well-maintained.

Highlights:

• Family-friendly with lifeguards and public restrooms
• Fun boardwalk with food, games, and shops
• Close to local breweries and outlet shopping

Bethany Beach

Bethany Beach is more relaxed than Rehoboth and known for its small-town charm. It has a short boardwalk, quiet beaches, and a slower pace that makes it perfect for couples or families looking for peace and quiet.

Highlights:

• Calm atmosphere and less crowded
• Short boardwalk with cute shops and cafes
• Great spot for a quiet beach day

Lewes Beach

Located on the Delaware Bay, Lewes Beach has gentle waves, making it ideal for young kids. It’s close to Cape Henlopen State Park and the charming historic downtown of Lewes. The beach has calm waters and a very local feel.

Highlights:

• Perfect for families with small children
• Close to town and walking distance to restaurants
• Quieter and less commercial than other beaches

Cape Henlopen State Park

Cape Henlopen State Park offers some of the most natural, undeveloped beach in the state. You’ll find hiking and biking trails, a fishing pier, and even a WWII observation tower you can climb. This is a great place for beachgoers who also like nature.

Highlights:

• Lots of space to spread out
• Swimming beach, fishing pier, and nature trails
• Historic spots and scenic dunes

Fenwick Island State Park

Just south of Bethany, Fenwick Island State Park is a quieter alternative to the nearby town of Fenwick Island. There are lifeguards, changing rooms, and fewer crowds. It’s a good pick if you want a peaceful beach day without the tourist buzz.

Highlights:

• Clean, quiet, and great for relaxing
• Lifeguard-monitored swimming areas
• Easy parking and basic amenities

Dewey Beach

Dewey Beach is known for its nightlife and live music, but during the day, it offers a laid-back beach scene. It’s great for younger travelers and friend groups who want both daytime beach time and evening entertainment.

Highlights:

• Wide beach with plenty of space
• Popular with young adults and party-goers
• Water sports rentals and casual beach bars nearby

Broadkill Beach

If you’re looking for a true hidden gem, Broadkill Beach is it. Located north of Lewes, this quiet bay beach has no boardwalk, no big hotels, and not much else—just soft sand and calm waves. It’s ideal for people who want to completely unplug.

Highlights:

• Very peaceful and not commercialized
• Ideal for beach walks and shell hunting
• Great for nature lovers and those seeking solitude

The best beaches in Delaware offer something for everyone—family-friendly boardwalks, peaceful bay beaches, and natural parks with open space and calm waters. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend or a full summer getaway, these Delaware beaches are some of the best on the East Coast.